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POLITICAL LEADERSHIP CALLS FOR ISLAMIC UNITY AGAINST ISRAELI AGGRESSION IN PALESTINE Tuesday, 8 October, 2024 I | 4 Rabi ul Sani, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 91 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Passes unanimous resolution demanding g President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazl and Bilawal attend moot immediate end to Israeli aggression ISLAMABAD
MIAN ABRAR
AKISTAN’s political elite, gathered at the President’s House on Monday for the MultiParty Conference (MPC), on Monday demanded that Islamic nations unite under a common platform to counter Israel’s persistent aggression against the Palestinian people. The necessity for the Muslim community worldwide to take immediate action was emphasized by the attendees. The APC, held on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, centred around the recent escalation in the Middle East, particularly the situation in Palestine. Prominent political figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, were in attendance. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), however, was conspicuous by its absence. The conference began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by Pakistan’s national anthem. Federal Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman, presented the agenda, noting that the meeting was being held to address the attacks Israel initiated against Palestinians on October 7, marking a grim anniversary. President Asif Ali Zardari, delivering the opening speech, condemned Israel’s actions as “genocidal.” He stated that the world community has failed to intervene effectively to stop Israel’s continuous assaults on Palestinians. “Israel has martyred over 41,000 Palestinians in the latest round of aggression, and now it is targeting Lebanon and Syria as well. The international community is unable to stop these atrocities. This is a serious threat to regional peace,” Zardari said. Recalling Pakistan’s historic ties with the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), he added: “We have cooperated with the PLO for decades. I met Yasser Arafat many times, and Pakistan has always stood with Palestine. We saw PLO offices here in Pakistan, but now Israel is increasing its violent operations.” Zardari urged Muslim countries to use their collective power to halt Israel’s advances. “The Islamic world has enormous strength. If we do not use it now, then when?” he asked. Former prime minister and PML-N leader, Nawaz Sharif, expressed disappointment over the United Nations’ inability to implement its resolutions on Palestine,
PTI founder ‘banned’ from meeting family, lawyers RAWAPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Monday was banned from meeting his family, lawyers, and party leaders at Adiala Jail, where he is currently incarcerated. According to media reports, jail authorities have cited security concerns as the reason for this ban. It revealed that the ban on meetings imposed by the Punjab government will be in place until October 18 and will also apply to other prisoners at Adiala Jail. Earlier, Security agencies expanded investigations and arrested six more members of the jail staff over aiding PTI founder. The detained staff members of the jail also included three women, sources said. “The detained jail employees have been included a sweeper, two lady wardens and three CCTV monitoring personnel,” sources said. Security officials taken mobile phones of the employees in their custody. “Women staffers were exchanging messages between Bushra Bibi and the PTI’s founder,” sources said. Former Adiala jail deputy superintendent Zafar Iqbal recently returned home after his arrest on charges of aiding former prime minister Imran Khan, sources said. According to sources, Zafar Iqbal was detained on August 13 for questioning over helping Imran Khan in jail.
likening the situation to the Kashmir conflict. “The world is witnessing the worst atrocities in history. Entire cities in Palestine have been turned into rubble. Children are being snatched from their mothers and killed in front of their parents. And yet, the world remains silent,” Sharif said. He added: “The UN is helpless in enforcing its own resolutions, just like it has been on Kashmir. What good is an organisation that cannot ensure justice for oppressed people?” Nawaz also suggested that the collective military strength of Islamic countries be mobilised against Israel. “Islamic nations have a massive military alliance. If they do not act now, when will they? This is the moment to stand together and create a policy to protect Muslims from further bloodshed.” Sharif emphasised the need for immediate action and urged the Pakistani leadership to quickly draft recommendations and seek collaboration from Muslim nations globally. “This must happen without delay,” he stressed. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman echoed Nawaz Sharif’s concerns, referring to Israel’s foundation as a colonial project dating back to the 1917 Balfour Declaration by Britain. He also reminded the gathering of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
who had denounced Israel as an “illegitimate child.” “It is astonishing that some people in Pakistan have even suggested recognising Israel,” Rehman said, rejecting any possibility of a two-state solution. He condemned the recent Israeli aggression, which has now expanded beyond Palestine to Lebanon and other neighbouring countries. Rehman criticised the global response to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, stating that even smaller nations like South Africa had taken stronger action by bringing the issue before the International Court of Justice. He urged the government to form a coalition of major Muslim countries to tackle Israeli aggression collectively. “Why are we not supporting Hamas openly?” Rehman asked, referring to the Palestinian resistance group. “To the West, they may be terrorists, but to us, they are freedom fighters. It is time we declare our support openly.” PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused Israel of using the hostage situation as a pretext to expand its occupation into Lebanon, Egypt, and Palestine. He called for immediate global intervention and suggested that the APC form a committee to advocate for Palestine on international platforms.
Life in twin cities resumes following four days of PTI demonstrations
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Normalcy returned to Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday following four days of protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at D-Chowk. The city’s entry and exit points have reopened, and containers that had been blocking roads and bridges have been cleared. Public transport is now operating on its usual routes; however, the Metro bus service in Islamabad remains suspended, while it has resumed in Rawalpindi. Government offices, private businesses, and schools have reopened, and traffic is flowing smoothly on major roads, including Jinnah Avenue, Expressway, Srinagar Highway, and Faizabad. The police confirmed that key routes, including Rawat T Cross, Koral Chowk, Khanna Bridge, Faizabad, Murree Road, and the Express Highway, are open for traffic in both directions. Peshawar Morr, Golra Morr, and Chungi No 26 have also been cleared for vehicular movement. Murree Road has been reopened for traffic from near the traffic police office. Additionally, the Motorway
Governor Punjab vows to install Bilawal as Prime Minister LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Governor Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, stated that while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) suffered political losses due to its alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party remains committed to seeing party’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari become prime minister in the interest of the nation. Speaking at a reception hosted by Rana Akram in Rahmanpura, Punjab on Monday, Governor Haider emphasised the need for good governance and accountability in the province. “We must work for the betterment of our province, strictly adhering to merit and following a zerotolerance policy towards corruption,” he said. He added that positions of power are temporary and that he would leave his post with his head held high. “I came with dignity, and I will leave with dignity. My job is to work on merit, and now I will be going into the streets of Lahore, meeting the party loyalists who have dedicated their lives to the party, and re-engaging those disheartened workers,” he said. Commenting on the current political alliance between PML-N and PPP, the governor remarked, “This is not a love alliance, but one born of necessity. The country cannot afford political experiments at this time. If Pakistan is not politically stable, nothing will improve.” Governor Haider acknowledged that the PPP had faced political disadvantages due to the alliance but urged unity for the sake of the nation. “Protests are fine, but let us come together for the dignity and honour of the country,” he added. He praised the upcoming visit of the Chinese president, noting that it came at a time when many other leaders were reluctant to visit Pakistan. “Foreign conspiracies, terrorism, and law-and-order issues have started again, but we must rise above these challenges,” he stated. Referring to past political unrest, he criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), recalling the 2014 sitin at D-Chowk and the attack on the state television headquarters. “When the Malaysian prime minister was here, security had to hold him back because of the PTI protests. Now, nine prime ministers are coming to Pakistan, and those who talk about closing roads cannot be called patriots,” he said. The governor expressed optimism about the country’s future, pointing to signs of economic improvement. “Prices of petrol and inflation are decreasing, and the successful Shanghai conference will bring foreign investment. Please, for the sake of the poor, set aside political differences and come together to provide relief,” he urged. He also advised PTI leadership to abandon its rigid stance, warning that if it continued with negative politics, the party would face destruction. “For the good of the country and themselves, they should use reason and think sensibly,” he said.
‘Fix your own problems first’: Pakistan responds to Afghanistan’s political statements ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Link Road, Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed Road, and Iran Avenue are now accessible from both sides, while G-14 Srinagar Highway, 17 Mile Toll Plaza, and Bhara Kahu are fully operational. Traffic has also resumed on Kati Pahari GT Road, Zero Point, and Khayaban Chowk, ensuring all key transit points across Islamabad are functional. Despite the return to normalcy, the Red Zone—comprising Serena Chowk, NADRA Chowk, and DChowk—remains closed, with gov-
ernment employees and citizens advised to use Margalla Road for transit. Residents have expressed that while protests are a right for all parties, efforts should be made to prevent chaos, as city closures do not effectively resolve issues. In a statement, the senior superintendent of police (traffic) is personally overseeing the situation to ensure the uninterrupted flow of vehicles and has urged citizens to follow traffic guidelines for smooth access throughout the city.
Pakistan on Monday firmly rejected a statement by the Afghan foreign ministry concerning the political situation in the country, urging the Afghan interim government (AIG) to focus on resolving its domestic issues rather than lecturing a democratic nation. In a statement today, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described the Afghan foreign ministry’s remarks as “frivolous,” labeling them “unacceptable” and “deplorable” interference in Pakistan’s domestic affairs. “Instead of lecturing a democratic country, the AIG should concentrate on fixing its own problems, prioritize inclusivity, and address the needs and aspirations of its people, including the right to education for women and girls, rather than restricting their rights through misguided interpretations of religion,” the spokesperson stated. She emphasized that the AIG should fulfill its commitments to the international community by denying space to terrorist groups that pose serious threats to peace and security in neighboring countries and preventing Afghanistan from becoming a center of global terrorism once again. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and cooperation in the region, expecting all states, including Afghanistan, to adhere to the fundamental norms of responsible international conduct and interstate relations.
‘Gangsterism’ affecting legislative and court rulings: CJP Isa ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa has raised concerns over potential “gangsterism” influencing decisions within Parliament, the judiciary, and media. His remarks came during a Supreme Court hearing related to residential activities in the Margalla Hills National Park. The court reviewed a contempt of court case involving private restaurant owner Luqman Ali Afzal and rescinded the contempt notice. The Chief Justice directed the Islamabad High Court to investigate the judge responsible for issuing a stay order against demolition of illegal structures in the park. “How can a civil judge halt the Supreme Court’s orders?” the Chief Justice queried, suggesting that such actions warrant serious repercussions. He noted that a stay order was granted
despite the absence of court fees, making the case inadmissible. Luqman Ali Afzal’s legal representative stated that the restaurant’s premises had been vacated, and the stay order was withdrawn on October 2. The Chief Justice emphasised that both the executive and judiciary must adhere to the Supreme Court’s directives. He questioned if any concerns regarding commercial activities in Margalla Hills had been raised in Parliament or the media, highlighting a trend of targeting judges instead of addressing judicial orders. The hearing also addressed the legality of the North Range Housing Society within the national park. The court has issued notices to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner, requesting ownership documents and building approval details. The session has been adjourned for one
week as the court continues to scrutinise these complex issues involving land use and regulatory compliance. Supreme Court confirms removal of Monal, other restaurants after dismissing appeals The Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed review petitions challenging its decision to remove Monal, La Montana, Gloria Jeans, and other restaurants operating within the National Park area, upholding its earlier ruling. In a brief judgement, the court maintained that the restaurants had voluntarily agreed to cease operations within three months. It criticised the filing of review petitions as “disrespectful,” stressing that honouring the commitment to close the establishments was essential. The Supreme Court had previously ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prioritise these restaurants for lease in alternative locations. However, the court has now withdrawn this observation, removing any preferential
treatment for new leases. The ruling further emphasised that the
court’s decisions must be followed exactly as outlined, without any deviations.